Miles: 579 | Clear skies and warmer air lift our moods, and for once we’re moving well and on trail before noon. We eat lunch by a stream, climb steadily, and walk one of our first long Virginia ridges before rain rolls in near camp. Exhausted, we crawl into the tent, skip dinner without meaning to, and fall asleep to the sound of rain—ending the day with the best gift yet: real, uninterrupted sleep.
The morning was clear. The rains from the past couple of days seemed to fade. It was warm and muggy. We woke up in good moods and moved at a surprisingly good pace and we finally left before noon!
We ate lunch by a lovely stream early in the day. We climbed a lot and walked a ridge, one of our first of many Virginia ridges.
As we neared camp the rain started. Miles ran the last mile to camp to get the tent set up. I arrived at the shelter a bit after him. I got the water and hung the bear line as he set up our bedding.
When I walked past the shelter, full of men, I felt a few eyes following me. When I turned to look three of the men avoided eye contact. I made a mental note. Perhaps the men who had seen me the day before? I tried to shake it off. Who cares about a silly, embarrassing mistake?
I climbed into Miles’ tent with him and changed into my pajamas. We cuddled together and listened to the rain, EXHAUSTED. We fell asleep holding each other, forgetting to eat dinner. I FINALLY slept.
1. Amazing mood
2. Consistent pace
3. SLEEP